Table of Contents

Section 1: General
A. Johnston Contact Information
B. Introduction
C. The Boiler
D. The Burner
E. About Drawings
F. Warranty General Information
G. Parts and Service Policy
H. Warranty Claims
J. Boiler /Burner Model Key

Section 2: Components
A. General Trim Overview
B. Fig 2.1 Steam Boiler Trim
C. Fig 2.2 Water Boiler Trim

Section 5: Engineering
A. Glossary of Terms
B. Formulas and Conversions
C. Combustion
D. Scale Deposits

Section 13: Customer Information

A. Drawings and Bills of Material
B. Reports
C. Component cut sheets

Note 1:
Section 3: Installation
A. General Information
B. Installation Readiness
C. Boiler Room Air Supply
D. Stack Design and Operation
E. Boiler Boil-out Procedure
F. Recommended Water Quality

Section 4: Maintenance
A. General
B. Part-Specific
C. Maintenance Schedule
D. Idle Boiler Lay-Up
General
Wet Method
Dry Method

Operation
Startup, Adjustments, Shutdown and trouble
shooting will be found in the Burner portion of
the manual. (If applicable)

Section 1: General
A: Contact Information

Johnston Boiler Company

300 Pine Street
Ferrysburg, MI 49409
SALES
Boiler / Burner

Pat Baker
Phone 616-638-4737
Fax
616-842-1854
Email pbaker@johnstonboiler.com
Thom Parker
Phone 616-842-5050 ext 314
Fax
616-842-1854
Email tparker@johnstonboiler.com

Deaerators (ancillary)

Rick Slater
Phone 616-842-5050 ext 336
Fax
616-842-1854
Email rslater@johnstonboiler.com

SERVICE
Technical Support
Or Field Service

Ed Wessel
Phone 616-842-5050 ext 311
Fax
616-846-6380
Email ewessel@johnstonboiler.com
or service@johnstonboiler.com

Spare or Replacement

Donna Utzman
Phone 616-842-5050 ext 317
Fax
616-846-6380
Email dutzman@johnstonboiler.com

PARTS

Section 1:
B. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a series PFT Boiler from Johnston Boiler Company.
All Johnston Boiler products are designed and manufactured to give excellent, efficient performance over
a long period of time. All items supplied were chosen because of their ability to give high quality
performance. Proper operating and maintenance procedures must be followed at all times to ensure a
high degree of protection and safety. Operation of this equipment should not be considered free from all
dangers inherent to operating a steam/hot water vessel with the firing of a combustible fuel.
The operator is solely responsible for properly maintaining the equipment. No amount of documented
instruction can take the place of intelligent thinking and consistent safe practices. This manual is not
intended to relieve the operator of the responsibility of proper operation.
The operator must be familiar with all components and operations of the level, pressure and temperature
controls as well as the fuel burning equipment. Identify and locate each component of your system.

C. General Boiler Description

Your boiler is termed Packaged Firetube (PFT), and is intended to be supplied as a packaged system
complete with fuel fired burner, pressure and level controls, as well as electronic control and monitoring
system. All Johnston boilers are built to strict ASME guidelines whether it is Section 1 or Section 4
design.
The boiler is of a wet back design with a fully submerged combustion chamber and firing tube. It may be
of a two, three or four pass arrangement depicted by the number of tube passes within one common
shell. As a standard, Johnston builds these vessels with control connections on both sides. An ample
amount of handholes are strategically placed and all vessels are equipped with lifting lugs, 12x16
manway for water side access and a large door for access to the combustion firetube area. At both ends
there will be full tube access swing doors on double pivot hinges. The tube access doors will be lined with
high temperature insulation (not refractory). The shell and exposed head areas will be covered with 2
insulation and galvaneal sheet metal jacket.

D. General Burner Description

Refer to the proper section for the size, type and description of fuel burning equipment supplied.
All Johnston boilers supplied with a factory installed burner shall be factory test fired when possible.

E. Customer Specific Drawings

The drawings, diagrams and bill of materials placed at the back of this manual are specific to the
customers contract with Johnston Boiler Company. The inserted drawings are the jurisdictional
design of the system provided. All other information provided in this manual may or may not
depict actual scope of supply.
.

Section 1:
F. Warranty General Information
Products manufactured by the Company are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one (1) year from start-up but not to
exceed eighteen (18) months from shipment or completion of manufacture. Components which
are purchased by the Company and resold without further processing by the Company are not
covered by the Companys warranty, but the Company shall pass on to the Buyer whatever
warranty the Company receives from the manufacturer of such products. Components which are
supplied by the Company but field installed by others are not covered unless installation has been
inspected and accepted by an authorized Johnston Representative. The Company will repair or
replace, at its option, its products which prove to be defective within the warranty period F.O.B.
Companys factory. The Companys warranty shall be voided by any repair, alteration or
modification by persons other than the Employees of the Company or those expressly authorized
by the Company to make repairs, or by any abuse, misuse or neglect of the products or by use
not in accordance with the Companys published instructions. The remedies for any failure of the
Companys products to meet its warranty specified herein shall be those remedies as a condition
of sales irrespective of the theory upon which any claim might be based, including negligence,
breach of contract, or strict liability. THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS THE COMPANYS SOLE
WARRANTY. THE COMPANY MAKES NO IMPLIED WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

NOTE:
NOTE:
It is the responsibility of the individual, company, organization, or institution receiving a new
boiler, or packaged system to inspect the shipment for damage, alteration or missing components
upon initial receipt. Transporters insist that all deficiencies be noted on the shipping
documentation prior to acceptance. Johnston will not accept responsibility for shipping damages
or claims against transporters.

NOTE:
Each Johnston Boiler is shipped with an order specification sheet, bill of materials, piping
diagram, wiring diagram, and other reference materials specific to this job. A thorough
understanding of and familiarity with these documents is required prior to systems installation,
commissioning, operation or trouble shooting.
.

Section 1:
G. Parts and Service Policy
Johnston Boiler Company markets their products through a distribution system, made up of independent
manufacturers representatives. For parts and service requirements, contact your authorized Johnston
representative.
H. Warranty Claims and Material Return
Johnston Boiler Companys warranty on parts, whether purchased as a component part of a new boiler or
as a replacement part, is as described under the WARRANTY AND EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED
WARRANTIES paragraph of Johnstons Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale. Johnstons parts
warranty claim policy and return procedure is as follows:
It is recognized that often a warranty replacement part may be needed in advance of returning the
claimed defective part for warranty consideration. Johnston Boiler Company can accommodate this
situation. In order for Johnston to advance a warranty replacement part, a written purchase order must
be issued to Johnston Boiler Company in the amount of the selling price for the replacement part and to
cover any prepaid shipping charges that Johnston may incur. Upon receipt of the purchase order, and
subject to availability of the replacement part, the advance warranty replacement part will then be shipped
in the manner requested. At this same time, Johnston will issue and submit an invoice covering the part
and freight charge.
Johnston will include a pre-numbered, 3-part Return Authorization Tag (Exhibit A) with the shipment of an
advance warranty replacement part. This tag must be completed by someone knowledgeable of the
claimed defect in the part to be returned. The green copy of the tag, which reads "TO BE RETAINED BY
PARTY MAKING RETURN, is to be kept by the party making the return. The remaining two (2) copies of
the tag yellow JBC RECEIVING GIVE TO JBC SERVICE/PARTS and buff (hard copy) ATTACH TO
PART BEING RETURNED (ALSO TO INCLUDE YELLOW COPY): are to be attached to the claimed
defective part. The part is then to be returned to Johnston Boiler Company, freight prepaid (collect freight
shipments will not be accepted), for warranty consideration.
Upon Johnstons receipt of the claimed defective part, the part will be reviewed for warranty
consideration. A decision to accept or reject the warranty claim will be made. On parts that were
manufactured by Johnston, this decision will be made by Johnston. On parts that were purchased by
Johnston, the claimed defective part will be returned by Johnston to the actual manufacturer of the part,
to be reviewed for warranty consideration. Any such other manufacturer will make the decision to accept
or reject the warranty claim. Johnston will forward this decision on to its customer, the same as with
Johnstons own decision on warranty claims covering any parts it manufactures. Johnston will notify its
customer of the decision regarding a parts warranty claim in writing.
On accepted parts warranty claims, Johnston Boiler Company will then cancel its invoice covering
shipment of the advance warranty replacement part, less any prepaid shipping charges. Any prepaid
shipping charges are due and payable by a customer, in accordance with the terms of Johnston Boiler
Companys warranty.
On rejected parts warranty claims, Johnston will include in its written notification to a customer, the
reason why the warranty claim was rejected. On rejected parts warranty claims, Johnstons invoice
covering the warranty replacement part, whether advanced or otherwise is due and payable in the full
amount by the customer.
All claimed defective parts must be returned to Johnston Boiler Company for warranty consideration no
later than thirty (30) days after the advance warranty replacement part was shipped by Johnston.
On non-warranty claim parts returns, authorization to make any such return must be received from
Johnston prior to making the actual return shipment. Johnston will mail to the customer the prenumbered, 3-part Return Authorization Tag. (Exhibit A) This tag is then to be completed and handled in
the same manner as a warranty claim.

Section 1:

Johnston Boiler Company

300 Pine Street
Ferrysburg, MI 49409

EHXIBIT A

JJohnston Boiler Company

Return Authorization No_________________

S.O. #_______________________________ Serial #____________________

Model (or Catalog) #______________________________________________
Job Name: ______________________________________________________
Location: _______________________________________________________

Return
Freight
Prepaid To:

Date of Return: ___________________ By: ___________________________

This Item is being returned for the following consideration:
(

) Credit

) Warranty Replacement

) Credit Warranty Replacement Already Received

Reason for Return: _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
JBC RETURN AUTHORIZATION

Section 1:
J. Model Description Key

The Johnston boiler is a steam or hot water packaged firetube boiler, ranging in size from 50 to
2,500 horsepower, 15# to 350# design pressure, 3 or 4 pass, of welded steel construction with
submerged rear combustion chamber. The package consists of a pressure vessel, base frame,
forced draft burner, fuel train(s), control panel, power panel and miscellaneous boiler trim.
Your Johnston boiler will be assigned a model number made up of the following:
PFT
1

A
2

600
3

4
4

LG
5

150
6

S
7

1.

PFT, PFX

Packaged Firetube (Boiler), XID Packaged Firetube

2.

Type of Burner

A
J
I
JO
AO
X
P
G
W
S

3.

Horsepower

50 through 3,000

4.

Number of passes

2, 3 or 4

5.

Fuels

H
M
L
G
DG
P
X

6.

Design Pressure

15 to 350

7.

Type of Boiler

S
W

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

=
=
=
=
=
=
=

=
=

Johnston A Burner
Johnston J Burner
Industrial Combustion Burner
Ohio Special with J style burner
Ohio Special with A style burner
No burner
Power Flame burner
Gordon Piatt burner
Webster burner
Johnston S burner

Heavy oil
Medium oil
Light oil
Natural gas
Digester gas
Propane or Propane-Air mix
Special or no burner supplied at factory

Steam
Hot Water

Section 2: Components
A. Component Overview General Trim Items Fig 2.1, Fig 2.2
Johnston Series PFT Boilers generally include the following trim items. Where the word steam is
indicated, the device commonly applies to steam boilers only.
Safety Relief
valve(s)

Boiler shell mounted device to

vent excess steam/water when
boiler pressure/temperature is
exceeded.

Stops the burner on a low water

condition. Burner restarts when
normal water is achieved and
manual intervention is involved
(manual reset).

Feedwater
modulating
control valve
(steam)

On signal from level controller,

modulates open/close to allow
condensate to flow in to boiler.

Signals feed water valve to

modulate
open/close
as
necessary to maintain proper
water level.

Quick opening Lever handled valve piped to

blowoff valve bottom of boiler to allow quick
(steam)
discharge of condensate and
contaminants.

Low Water
Cutoff

Stops the burner on a low water

condition. Burner restarts when
normal water is achieved.

Aux. Low Water

Cutoff

Optional:
Boiler Level
Controller
(steam)

Optional: Boiler Signals the operator of a high

High Water
level in the boiler. If desired,
Alarm (steam)
could stop the burner as well.

Operating Limit
Controller

Restricts the boiler from over

pressure or temperature. Stops
the burner on high condition,
restarts when boiler returns to
normal.

High Limit
Control

Restricts the boiler from over

pressure or temperature. Stops
the burner on high condition,
restarts when boiler returns to
normal and manual intervention
is involved (manual reset).

Slow opening
blowoff valve

Wheel handled valve piped to

bottom of boiler to allow slow
discharge of condensate and
contaminants.

Continuous
Position indicating hand wheel
blowoff control needle valve to meter the
valve (steam) discharge of condensate at the
top of the boiler.
Continuous
blowoff
control valve
(steam)

TDS manual control. Position indicating

hand wheel needle valve to meter the
discharge of condensate at the top of
the boiler.

Modulating
Signals burner to adjust firing
press or temp. rate on the basis of the boilers
controller
current
operating
pressure/temperature.

Automatic
continuous
blowoff
system
(steam)

TDS automatic control. Controller,

electric valve and conductivity probe.
Controller opens/closes valve on basis
of input signal from probe.

Pressure or
combination
press altitude
gauge

Direct reading gauge located

close to the limit controls. Boiler
monitor.

Steam nonreturn valve

(steam)

Combination stop/check valve to isolate

and back flow prevention.

Low Fire Hold

limit control

Restricts the burner from firing

above low prior to water
temperature
achieving
set
temperature.

Steam stop
Stop gate valve to isolate boiler.
valve (steam)
Sight glass

Visual indication of water level.

Tri-cocks

When
opened,
gives
indication of water level.

secondary

Section 2:
Steam Boiler Trim

FIGURE 2.1

Section 2:

Water Boiler Trim

FIGURE 2.2

Section 3: Installation
A. General
The following are general recommendations for installing a Johnston Packaged Boiler. Project
plans and state and local code requirements must also be followed. These legal
requirements take precedence over information found in this manual.

B. Installation Recommendations
The boiler should be set on a raised concrete pad. The boiler should be level and its base frame
should be grouted to the raised concrete pad. A 36 aisle space at the sides and to the rear of
the boiler is recommended. Adequate space for boiler tube removal and replacement should be
provided to the front of the boiler. Refer to the specified boiler size requirements, in this regard.
The flue gas outlet connection on a Johnston Boiler is only intended to support a limited boiler
stack, or breeching. The minimum stack diameter for a given size boiler should be adhered to.

Section 3:
Where a breeching is used, a round breeching is preferred. If a rectangular breeching is used,
stiffeners should be provided in large flat areas of the breeching, not only for strength, but to
minimize the possible vibration and noise that may be experienced from using a rectangular
breeching.
If two or more boilers are installed in a common breeching, the breeching size should get
progressively larger from the boiler farthest from the stack to the boiler nearest the stack. This is
done to accommodate the additional volume of flue gas from one boiler to the next.
A rain cap is recommended on a stack connected directly to the boiler. The rain cap should be
mounted no less than the diameter of the stack, and above the end of the stack.
Boiler feed, steam or water, fuel piping and electrical supply lines should be properly installed to
the boiler. It is recommended that feedwater and fuel supply lines be properly valved, so the
supply lines to the boiler can be shut off when it is not in use or when preventive maintenance or
repairs to the boiler are being made. A dirt trap should be installed in the gas supply line, just
prior to entering the main gas train of the boiler. A means to disconnect and lockout the power
supply to the boiler control panel should also be provided. Installation of boiler feedwater, fuel
and electrical power supply piping and lines should be checked, so as not to interfere with
operation of any component part of the boiler, or interfere with the ability to perform preventive
maintenance or make repair. Special attention should be given to making sure that no piping or
lines interfere with the boiler fluebox doors.

Warning
Very often boiler safety relief valves are
removed from the boiler, following factory
testing of the boiler, just prior to shipment.
These safety relief valves must be
properly reinstalled on the boiler, using
only a safety valve wrench. Using a
conventional wrench often damages safety
relief valves. This type of damage is not
covered under the boiler warranty. All
safety relief valves should be piped to a
safe point of discharge. Safety relief valve
discharge piping should have an internal
area equal to or greater than the internal
area of the valve outlet. The discharge
piping should be arranged and installed so
that no strain is imposed on the safety
relief valve

Warning
All blowoff and blowdown valves, including
any Johnston supplied piping, whether water
column, surface/continuous or bottom,
should be piped, or further piped, properly
and to a safe point of discharge. If they are
piped into a blowdown separator, the
blowdown line should be properly valved, so
the boiler is capable of being completely
drained.

C. Boiler Room Air Supply

The starting point in any combustion system is the supply of fresh air. To avoid serious problems,
the boiler must have an adequate supply of fresh air and a supply system that does not affect the
boiler operation.

Section 3:
How much air is required?
In general, the following formulas have been developed to determine the amount of combustion
air required for any boiler room with a package firetube boiler firing gas or oil fuels:

ft 3
min HP
ft 3
Ventilation _ Air = HP 2
min HP
ft 3
Total _ Air _ Re' q = HP 10
min HP
Combustion _ Air = HP 8

HP refers to the total maximum boiler horsepower in the boiler room.

These calculations are adequate for installations up to 1000 feet above sea level.
installation above 1000 fasl, add 3% air for each 1000 fasl.

For any

What size of opening to the outside is required?

An adequate, proper and consistent supply of fresh air must be supplied into the boiler room for
burner combustion air. A rule of thumb is to provide four to six square inches of open,
unrestricted area for every boiler horsepower. Example: For a 75 HP boiler, 300 to 450 square
inches of open unrestricted area are recommended.
The size of the fresh air inlet openings and their location are very important. There should be a
minimum of two permanent air supply openings in the walls of the boiler room. Whenever
possible, they should be at opposite sides of the boiler room and no higher than 7 feet above the
floor. This will promote mixing with the air already in the boiler room, proper cooling of the
boilers, and tempering of potentially colder outside air prior to its entering the burner for
combustion.
The air inlets should be provided with some type of weather protection, but should never be
covered with a fine mesh wire screen. This type of covering results in poor air flow and is subject
to clogging by dust, dirt, paper, and other small items.
To determine the net free open area required for an opening, divide the total air required (in cubic
feet per minute) by the allowable velocity at the opening, from the table below.
Acceptable Air Velocities in Boiler Room
0-7 ft above floor
250 feet per minute
Above 7 ft above floor
500 feet per minute
***The minimum opening to the outside should be one square foot***

Air Ducting
In some applications, the boiler room is located in a building such that it has no outside walls.
Many of these applications do not have sufficient excess makeup air in the factory to allow for
combustion air requirements. In these cases, there are two possible solutions:

Section 3:
1. Ducting fresh air into the boiler room. Where this is required, the general rules for the size of
the wall opening can be used to determine the size of the ducting and wall opening in the
boiler room. In addition, the pressure drop through the duct must never exceed 0.05 w.c.
2. Ducting fresh air directly into the boiler. This method of air supply should be avoided
whenever possible. The disadvantages of this type of system far exceed any perceived
advantages. If used, the ducting becomes a part of the boiler system and can affect the
stability of combustion due to varying weather conditions, wind direction and velocity,
humidity, and temperature. Changes in temperature can lead to massive CO production,
soot formation, and unstable, unsafe combustion.
If direct ducting is to be used, we suggest the following steps be followed:
1. Each boiler has its own, completely separate, fresh air ducting and exhaust stack to minimize
combustion problems.
2. Boiler directly connected to fresh outside air ducts must be checked for proper combustion
adjustment and operation every three months by a certified package firetube boiler specialist.
3. The duct work supplying the fresh air to the boiler must be sized so that it has a maximum
pressure drop of 0.05 w.c. at maximum flow.
4. The fresh air supply should have an electric, hot water, or steam heater to temper cold outside
air to at least 50 deg F.
5. If the application is utilizing a low emission with flue gas recirculation, do not use direct ducted
outside air. The potential problems associated with a standard burner are intensified with a
low emission burner.

D. Stack Design and Package Boiler/Burner Operation

Firetube boiler/burner packages with the exhaust stack and breeching attached to them operate
as a system. Each item effects how well the other items perform their task.
The burners provided on Johnston products have been designed for a maximum efficiency on a
firetube type boiler. Refinements in combustion technology and burner designs have made it
more critical that everyone views the total system to ensure proper operation. This will avoid
many problems that are too often considered combustion related but are really system generated,
resulting from improper flue gas breeching and stack design.
Packaged firetube boilers are designed to operate at their peak performance with short, straight
flue stacks. Other stack configurations can be used if they are properly engineered. Improper
exhaust system designs can cause problems that come and go, or can vary with stack
temperature, ambient temperature, wind conditions, operating status of other boilers connected to
the exhaust system, and many other varying conditions.
A few of the problems to check in the event of an erratic operation and/or problems that appear to
have no solution are:
Stack Height The stack or chimney should be of sufficient height to extend above the roof of
the building or adjoining buildings to avoid down drafts in the stack or the possibility of carrying
down combustion gases to undesirable locations such as air inlet ducts or open windows in
adjoining or nearby buildings.
(Source: Packaged Firetube Boiler --Engineering Manual--, American Boiler Manufacturers
Association, First Edition, page 28)
A very high stack can create a high back pressure (a high positive pressure at the boiler stack
connection) that the burner must overcome which may turn into a high draft (a high negative
pressure at the boiler stack connection). This can cause burner stability problems after the
system has warmed to operating temperatures.

Section 3:
A very high stack that does not have some type of insulation, in addition to the problem listed
above, can have widely ranging draft conditions caused by changes in the ambient air
temperature. Cool ambient temperatures can chill flue gas products and reduce or eliminate draft
conditions that existed with warmer ambient air. These conditions can change from winter to
summer, day to night, and sometimes day to day.
Stack Exit Location A stack exit that is located in an area where it is subject to very high and
varying winds can create operational problems that appear to have no logical explanation. These
problems are more difficult to find if the high and varying winds are created or amplified by the
buildings located at the site.
Breeching When required, the breeching should be as short as possible. They should be
constructed of round ducts only. Round ducts are more efficient, and the large flat sides of
square or rectangular ducts contribute to noise caused by resonance. The breeching must be
installed with a slight upward pitch toward the stack to ensure it is self-venting.
Breeching Turns From turns as small as 30o up to 90o, the design of the turn can have a major
effect on the boilers operation. Never use an abrupt turn. Changes in direction should be
accomplished as gradually as possible. Mitered elbows should be avoided. Circular elbows
should be of a minimum of four piece construction and have a minimum R/D ratio of 2.0 where R
is the centerline radius of the arc and D is the diameter of the duct. (Source: Packaged Firetube
Boiler Engineering Manual, American Boiler Manufacturers Association, First Edition, page
35)
Poorly designed turns in an exhaust system can develop reflective harmonics, or noise, that can
upset or destroy stable combustion. These disturbances may not be seen at startup, but develop
later as the exhaust system warms up.
Multiple Boiler Stack A common type of installation is two or more boilers using a common
exhaust system. With such a system, it is absolutely essential that the two boilers be isolated
from each other. The most common method to achieve separation is the use of sequencing draft
controls. Even with their installation, a detailed review of the system is required to ensure
trouble-free operation.
Multiple breeching connections must never enter the stack at the same height. The flow of
exhaust gases into each other can create excessive turbulence that results in combustion stability
problems of flue gases being vented back into the boiler room.

Section 3:

TOTAL BOILER
HORSEPOWER

DIAMETER OF
BREECHING REQUIRED

50

08"

60

10"

75

12"

90

12"

180

16"

250

18"

400

20"

450

22"

600

24"

700-750

25"

800-900

28"

1000

30"

1250

32"

1500

34"

1800

36"

2400

40"

Breeching to Stack Connections The breeching connection to the stack should always be
made with a 45o upward sweeping elbow or mitered turn. A straight in 90o connection, or
bullhead type connection, is almost guaranteed to create reflective harmonics or other problems
that appear to be combustion problems.
Stack Size Pressure drops through the boiler exhaust system should be calculated and in
general should not exceed 0.2 WC. Undersized stacks create excess back pressure on the
boiler resulting in combustion problems, inability to make full capacity, or both.
There are several very competent manufacturers of boiler exhaust systems. They should
be contacted and asked to review your exhaust system whenever there are any
complications beyond a simple, short, straight stack. A little extra time and a few extra
dollars will pay off in a smoother and quicker startup followed by years of successful
operation.

Section 3:
E. Boiler Boil-out Procedure
It is recommended that your new Johnston Boiler be boiled-out before placing it into service. This
may be done before or immediately following initial start-up. A proper boil-out will remove any
grease or oil that may still be present in the waterside of the boiler as the result of boiler
installation. A clean boiler waterside is one of the requirements of establishing and maintaining a
stable waterside condition.
JOHNSTON BOILER COMPANY DOES NOT BOIL-OUT THE BOILER.
IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT A QUALIFIED WATER TREATMENT CONSULTANT IN YOUR AREA
BE CONTACTED FOR A RECOMMENDATION ON A BOIL-OUT COMPOUND, WHICH
SHOULD INCLUDE ITS OWN USE PROCEDURE. IN THE ABSENCE OF A BOIL-OUT
PROCEDURE, JOHNSTON BOILER RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING:
1. Isolate boiler from piping system (valve off).
2. Remove safety valves from the boiler. A boiler safety valve tapping on the top of the boiler
pressure vessel is often used as the opening to introduce the boil-out compound into the boiler.
It will also serve as a vent to fill the boiler and operate it during boil-out.

WARNING:
ONLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL SHOULD PERFORM A BOILER BOILOUT. STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO BE PROPERLY PROTECTED AGAINST THE HAZARDS
OF HANDLING AND USING BOIL-OUT COMPOUNDS.
3. Fill the boiler with clean, ambient temperature water. Allow sufficient room for the boil-out
compound solution (generally diluted) and expansion of the water. The boiler will be boiled
out to atmosphere.
4. Start the boiler, following the appropriate start-up procedure included in this Manual. The
boiler will be operated in the manual mode, low fire setting, for the duration of the boil-out.
Observe the open safety valve tapping, as the boiler is being warmed. Due to expansion,
water will have to be drained from the boiler to prevent it from overflowing. Any number of
blowdown valves can be used to drain the boiler during boil-out; however, follow the boil-out
compound suppliers instructions on how to dispose the chemically treated boiler water. You
might not be permitted use of a normal floor drain by environmental regulations.
5.

Continue to observe the open safety valve tapping on the top of the boiler. As the boiler
water begins to boil, and then develop into a steady discharge of steam coming out of the
open safety valve tapping, turn the boiler off. Wait until the steady stream of steam reduces
to only traces of radiant steam, and then restart the boiler. Repeat this process as often as
necessary for the duration of the boil-out.

6. After the boiler has been allowed to cool down to normal hot water temperatures, drain the
boiler completely. Follow the boil-out compound suppliers instructions on how to dispose of
the chemically treated boiler water. Refill the boiler completely with clean, hot water. Drain
the boiler again.
7.

Remove all handhole and manway covers from the boiler pressure vessel. Inspect the
waterside of the boiler for cleanliness. Reinstall the handhole and manway covers using
new replacement gaskets.

Section 3:
8. Reinstall the boiler safety valves on the boiler, including the discharge piping. Fill the boiler
with clean, chemically treated water to its normal operating level. The boiler is now ready for
initial start-up or to be placed into service.

WARNING:
HANDHOLE, MANWAY AND SMOKEBOX DOOR GASKETS MUST BE CHECKED FOR
LEAKAGE FOLLOWING INITIAL OPERATION OF THE BOILER. THESE GASKETS MAY
BEGIN TO LEAK DUE TO TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE CHANGES AND EXPANSION
OR CONTRACTION.

F. Recommended Water Quality

For Firetube Boilers
Feed Water
pH
Hardness
Silica
Total Dissolved Solids
Dissolved Oxygen

Suspended Matter
Oil and Grease
Boiler Water
pH
Alkalinity (m)
T.D.S.
Phosphate Residual
Dissolved Oxygen

Suspended Matter
Silica

8.59.2 Should be alkaline at all times.

Zero ppm
Dictated by blowdown and maximum boiler residuals.
T.D.S. dictated by blowdown and maximum boiler residuals.
Should be reduced to less than 0.005 cc/l by mechanical
deaeration and the residual controlled by addition of a
suitable oxygen scavenger normally sodium sulfite.
Zero
Zero

10.5-11.5
700 ppm (max.)
Boilers sized 20,000 pph or less 3500 ppm (max.). Boiler
sized larger than 20,000 pph 2500 ppm (max.)
50 ppm as PO4 (min.)
Zero
If sodium sulfite is used for oxygen scavenging, maintain 2550 ppm as Na2SO3.
50 ppm (max.)
125 ppm (max.)

This information is supplied as general guidance only and does not absolve the boiler
owner from the responsibility of determining and maintaining water standards appropriate
to the specific local water chemistry and specific boiler use.

Section 4: Maintenance
A. General
A good maintenance program is essential to the lasting operation of your Johnston Boiler. Properly
maintaining the boiler will reduce unnecessary downtime, lower repair costs, and increase safety.
All electronic and mechanical systems require periodic maintenance. Automatic features do not relieve
the operator from maintenance duties.
A chart of added energy costs due to scale deposits can be found in Section 5 item D of this manual.
B. Part-Specific Maintenance
Most of the components and systems of your Johnston Boiler require little maintenance other than regular
inspection. Cleanliness is essential to the inspection of the boiler. Keep the exterior free of dust. Keep
the controls clean.
See individual component manuals for more information on specific component maintenance issues.
C. Maintenance Schedule
Johnston Boiler Company recommends the following maintenance schedule for the upkeep of your
Johnston Boiler. Any omission from this schedule could cause the Warranty to be voided. Only qualified
and experienced boiler, burner, and control personnel should attempt any maintenance and/or repair on
any boiler/burner. Be sure you have read and understand this entire manual before attempting
maintenance or repair.
Daily:
The following maintenance tasks should be performed daily by the operator:
1. Check the boiler for a proper water level. Low water can lead to over heating of the boiler heating
surfaces. High water can lead to carryover on steam boilers. Both conditions are dangerous.
2. Test the water cut-off controls. Also refer to item 7.
3. Check the operation of the boiler feedwater pump, control, and valve (regulator).
4. Check the boiler feedwater pump for proper operating pressures and temperatures.
5. Check over the boiler for proper operating pressures and temperatures.
6. Check to make sure that an adequate air supply into the boiler room is being maintained.
7. Blowdown the boiler. The water column and gauge glass (steam boilers only) and low water cutoff control(s) drain valves must be operated daily. A 15 second blowdown is adequate. The
boiler bottom blowdown valves should be operated daily. First open the quick opening valve
(closest to the boiler). Then open and close the slow opening valve. The length of time it takes
to do so represents the normal length of time for a boiler blowdown. Now close the quick opening
valve. Crack open and close the slow opening valve. This will relieve any pressure trapped
between the valves.
8. Check for leaks. Any leaks in the piping, fittings, controls, handhole, or manway openings should
be attended to promptly. All pressures and temperatures should be taken off the boiler and the
boiler drained down, isolated and locked out before any attempt to repair a waterside leak is
made. When replacing a gasket, sealing surfaces must be properly cleaned and prepared.
9. Check the condition of the boiler water for proper chemical treatment.
10. Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe boiler room.
Weekly:
The following maintenance tasks should be performed weekly by the operator:
1. If installed, check the boiler outlet flue gas damper for proper and smooth operation. Check the
linkage joints, arms, and rods for tightness.
2. Check the peepsite and sight port(s) for cracks in the lenses.

Section 4:
Monthly:
The following maintenance tasks should be performed monthly by the operator:
1. Check operation of the surface or continuous blowoff valve.
Annually:
The following maintenance tasks should be performed annually by the operator:
1. Check gauges and thermometers for proper calibration.
2. Open, clean (flush) and inspect the boiler waterside, including all water level controls, piping and
fittings.
3. Open, clean and inspect the boiler fireside. Inspect the condition of the boiler insulation, including
any refractory if present. Patch, replace or repair as necessary.
4. Check the condition of the fireside gasketing. Check for hardness and/or cracking. Replace
fireside gasketing as needed, but not less than every three years.
5. Replace waterside gasketing no less than once a year. Handhole and manway gaskets may be
required to be replaced more frequently. Handhole and Manhole gaskets should be checked for
condition (outside appearance) quarterly.
7. Lubricate studs and nuts and fluebox door hinges.

D. Idle Boiler Lay-Up

1. General
When a boiler is to be off-line or idle for any extended period of time, it must be laid-up. There are a
number of methods that can be used to lay-up an idle boiler. Either of the following can be used to lay up
a Johnston Boiler. If your boiler is not a Johnston Boiler, follow the manufacturers instructions for layingup your boiler.
2. Wet Method
When a boiler may be laid-up for only a brief period of time (not necessarily known), it can be laid up
using the wet method. This is usually used when a boiler may be needed back in service on short notice.
The operating boiler should be blown down as would normally be done, just prior to lay-up. The boiler
must then be shut down, secured (valved-off), and cooled. Once the boiler is cool, it must be vented and
drained. The boiler should then be refilled with clean water and drained again for flushing purposes.
The boiler must then be completely filled (flooded) with clean and chemically treated water. An oxygen
scavenger should be used to prevent pitting and corrosion. Seal off (close) the vent of the completely
filled boiler. The boiler must be kept completely filled during the lay-up period. Also keep the boiler
secured (valved off) for the entire lay-up period.
When the boiler is needed to be placed back into service, simply lower its water level to the normal
operating level and begin operation of the boiler (vent the boiler while lowering the water level).

3. Dry Method
When it is known that the boiler will be laid up for an extended period of time, the dry method is used. It
is also used when an idle boiler filled with water is exposed to the possibility of freezing temperatures.

Section 4:
The operating boiler should be blown down, as would normally be done, just prior to lay-up. The boiler
must then be shut down, secured (valved off) and cooled. Once the boiler is cool, it must be vented and
completely drained. All handhole and manway covers must be removed. The waterside of the boiler
should then be flushed completely clean. Power washing is recommended. The waterside of the boiler
should then be allowed to completely dry.

Utilizing the handhole and manway access openings, using desiccant (or equal) in cloth bags, with
retrieving lines attached to the bags, place a sufficient number of the bags throughout the boiler pressure
vessel. Sixteen pounds of desiccant is required for every thousand gallons of boiler water capacity
(flooded). Leave the retrieving lines that are attached to the bags in the area of the handhole and
manway openings. Reinstall all handhole and manway covers. The old gaskets may be reused if in good
condition. Close the boiler vent. No greater than a 50% humidity level is to be maintained in the
waterside of the boiler, during that period the boiler will be laid-up.
When the boiler is required to be placed back in service, all desiccants must be removed from the boiler
waterside. New replacement handhole and manway gaskets must also be installed. The boiler must
then be filled with clean and chemically treated boiler water.
Depending on duration of lay-up, one might consider applying desiccant to the fireside as well.
Apply 1.2 oz/cu ft. of space.

Section 5: Engineering
A. Glossary of Terms
Absolute
Pressure

The sum of gauge pressure and

atmospheric pressure.

Accumulation Test used to establish the

relieving capacity of boiler safety
Test
relief valves
Acid Dew
Point

Temperature at which acids

begin to settle out of flue gases.

Alkalinity

Determined by boiler water

analysis. Boiler water with a pH
over 7 is considered alkaline.

Ambient
Temperature

Temperature of the surrounding

area.

Ampere

Unit of measure of electrical

current.

Anion

Ion that has a negative electrical

charge.

Area

The number of unit squares equal

to the surface of an object.

ASME Code

Code written by the American

Society of Mechanical Engineers
that controls the construction,
repairs and operation of boilers
and their related equipment.

Atmospheric
Pressure

Pressure at sea level (14.7 PSI).

Atomization

Process of breaking a liquid fuel

stream into a mist of tiny droplets.

Atomize

To break up fluids into a fine mist.

Boiler

Closed vessel in which water

under pressure is elevated in
temperature by application of
heat.

Boiler
Capacity

Pounds of steam or BTUs of hot

water a boiler is capable of
producing.

Boiler
Horsepower

The evaporation of 34.5 pounds

of water per hour from and at a
feedwater temperature of 212F.

Boiler Lay-Up Removing a boiler from service

for a period of time. A boiler can
be preserved wet or dry.
Boiler Room
Log

A data sheet to record pressures,

temperatures of other operating
conditions of a boiler on a
continuous basis.

Boiler
Shutdown

A
sequence
of
operation
completed when taking a boiler
off line.

Boiler Startup A sequence of operations

completed when preparing a
boiler for service.
Boiler Vent

Port coming off highest part of

the waterside of the boiler that is
used to vent air from the boiler
when it is filled. Also used to
prevent a vacuum from forming
when the boiler is drained.

Boiling Point

Temperature at which
changes into steam.

Bottom
Blowdown

Periodic draining of part of the

water in the boiler to remove the
heavy sludge that settles to the
bottom of a vessel.

Breeching

Ducting from boiler flue gas outlet

to stack (or chimney).

British
Thermal Unit

(BTU) Amount of heat necessary

to raise the temperature of 1 lb.
of water 1F.

By-Pass Line

A pipeline that passes around a

control.

water

Calibrate

Carryover

Cavitation

Celsius
(Centigrade)

Adjusting a gauge, control or

piece of equipment to conform to
a test gauge, control or piece of
equipment.

Continuous
Blowdown

Small stream of water that

constantly drains from a boiler to
control the quantities of impurities
in a boiler on a continuous basis.

Particles of water that flow with

steam into the system piping.

Convection

A method of heat transfer that

occurs as heat moves through a
fluid.

Cracking
Open

Slowly opening a valve, generally

to allow equalization.

Cross T

Used in water column piping for

inspection for being clean and
clear.

Cut-In
Pressure

Automatic
pressure
control
setting at which the boiler turns
on.

Cut-Out
Pressure

Automatic
pressure
control
setting at which the boiler turns
off.

Condition caused when a portion

of water or other liquid entering
the eye of a pump impeller
flashes into steam or vapor
bubbles. Causes pitting of pump
impellers.
Temperature scale commonly
used with the metric system of
measurements.
The freezing
point of water on this scale is 0
and the boiling point of water is
100 at normal atmospheric
pressure.

Centrifugal
Force

Force caused by a rotating

impeller that builds up in a
centrifugal pump.

Check Valve

One-way flow valve for fluids.

Combustible
Material

Any material that burns when it is

exposed to oxygen and heat.

Combustion

The rapid union of oxygen with

an element or compound that
results in the release of heat.

Complete
Combustion

The burning of all the supplied

fuel using the minimum amount
of excess air.

Compound
Gauge

Combination pressure gauge and

vacuum gauge.

Condensate

Steam that has lost its heat and

returned to water.

Condense

Process whereby steam turns

back to water after the removal of
heat.

Conduction

A method of heat transfer in

which heat moves from molecule
to molecule.

Number of times solids in a

Cycle of
Concentration particular volume of water are
concentrated as compared to
concentration of the solids in the
original volume of water.
Deaerator

Pressure vessel that removes

oxygen from the feedwater before
going into the boiler.

Dealkalizer

Ion - Exchange unit that works

exactly like a sodium zeolite
water softener, but removes
anions and replaces them with
chloride.

Differential
Pressure

Difference
between
two
pressures at different points.

Differential
Setting

Difference between the pressure

or temperature at which the
automatic control turns the burner
on, and the pressure or
temperature
at
which
the
automatic ontrol turns the burner
off.

Dissolved
Solids

Impurities that have passed into

solution.

Draft

The difference in pressures

between two points that cause air
or gases to flow.

Economizer

A tubed chamber that uses the

gases of combustion to heat
boiler feedwater.

Flash Steam

Created when water at a high

temperature has a sudden drop
in pressure.

Element

A basic substance consisting of

atoms of the same type.

Foaming

Enthalpy

Total heat in steam.

Rapid fluctuations of the boiler

water level that can lead to
priming or carryover. Caused by
impurities on the surface of the
boiler water.

Erosion

Wearing away of matter.

Foot Pound

Excess Air

Air more than the theoretical

amount needed for combustion.

Unit of measure that equals the

movement of an object by a
constant force (in pounds) to a
specific distance (in feet).

Factor of
Evaporation

Heat added to water in an actual

boiler in BTU per pound and
divided by 970.3.

Force

Energy exerted or brought to

bear on.

Fahrenheit

Temperature scale commonly

used with the U.S. system of
measurements.
The freezing
point of water on this scale is 32
and the boiling point of water is
212 at normal atmospheric
pressure.

Forced Draft

Mechanical draft produced by a

fan

Furnace
Volume

Amount of space available in a

boiler furnace to complete
combustion.

Gate Valve

Valve used to shutoff or admit

flow.

Gauge Glass

Glass connected to a water

column or directly to a boiler that
allows an operator to see the
water level inside a boiler.

Gauge
Pressure

Pressure above atmospheric

pressure. Assumes atmospheric
pressure being zero.

Gas Analyzer

Used to analyze the gases of

combustion
to
determine
combustion efficiency.

Gas Leak
Detector

A device to locate gas leaks in

the boiler room.

Gases of
Combustion

Gases
produced
combustion process.

Globe Valve

Valve used to throttle or shutoff

flow.

Gravity

Natural force that makes objects

on earth fall to the lowest point
possible.

Feedwater

Water that is supplied to a boiler.

Feedwater
Treatment

Using softwater and chemicals in

the boiler feedwater. Protects
against scale and corrosion.

Fire Point

Temperature at which fuel oil

burns
continuously
when
exposed to an open flame.

Firetube
Boiler

Has
heat
and
gases
of
combustion passing through the
furnace
and
boiler
tubes
surrounded by water.

Firing Rate

Amount of fuel the burner is

capable of burning in a given unit
of time.

Flame Failure When the burner pilot or main

flame goes out on its own.
Flame
Scanner

Flash Point

Electronic device that confirms

that the pilot and main burner
flame exist.
Temperature at which fuel oil,
when heated produces a vapor
that flashes when exposed to an
open flame.

by

the

Handhole

Small access hole, smaller than a

manhole (manway), used for
looking and reaching into the
boiler shell during inspections.

Header

Manifold that feeds several

branch pipes or takes in steam or
water from several smaller pipes.

Heat
Exchanger

Any piece of equipment where

heat is transferred from one
substance to another.

Heating
Surface

Any part of a boiler metal that has

hot gases on one side and water
on the other.

Heat
Recovery
System

Equipment that is used to reclaim

heat that is normally lost.

Heat Transfer Movement of heat from one

substance to another that can be
accomplished
by
radiation
conduction or convection.
Heating Value Expressed in BTUs. Heating
value of fuel varies with the type.
High
Pressure
Boiler

A boiler that operates over a

steam pressure of 15 PSIG.

Hot Water
Boiler

Boiler that is completely full of

water that produces only hot
water, not steam.

Hydrostatic
Pressure

Water pressure per vertical foot

(.433) exerted at the base of a
column of water.

Inches of
Mercury

(IN.Hg) - Unit of measure for

vacuum.

Incomplete
Combustion

Occurs when all the fuel is not

burned, resulting in the formation
of smoke, soot or CO.

Infrared

Invisible light rays produced by

the combustion process and
detected by a flame scanner.

Latent Heat

Heat added above boiling point.

Laying Up

Taking a boiler out of service for

longer than a normal period of
time.

Low Pressure A boiler that operates at a steam

pressure of not more than 15
Boiler
PSIG.
Low Water

Lower than acceptable water

level in a boiler.

Low Water
Fuel Cutoff

Device located slightly below the

acceptable level of a boiler.
Shuts off the boiler burner in the
event of low water conditions.

Main Steam
Stop Valve

Gate valve in the main steam line

between the boiler and the steam
header.

Makeup Water Water that must be added to the

boiler to make up for condensate
that was dumped, lost through
boiler blowdowns or leaks in the
system.
Manhole
(Manway)

Hole on the steam and waterside

of a boiler used to clean, inspect
and repair a boiler.

Maximum
Allowable
Working
Pressure

(MAWP) Highest legal pressure

at which a pressure vessel may
be operated.

MOD Motor

Motor that controls the firing rate

and airflow for burners. Single
point positioning systems have
only one MOD motor, which uses
linkages to connect to all
functions.
Parallel
point
positioning
systems
have
separate
motors
for
each
function. (Typically referred to as
servo motors)

Modulating
Pressure
Control

Control device that regulates the

burner for a higher or lower fuelburning rate depending on steam
pressure in the boiler.

Multiple-Pass Boilers that are equipped with a

means to direct the flow of the
Boiler
gases of combustion so that the
gases make more than one pass
over the heating surfaces.

Caused by the difference in

weight between a column of hot
gases of combustion inside the
chimney (stack) and a column of
cold air of the same height
outside the chimney.

Pneumatic
System

A system of control that uses air

as the operating medium.

Pounds of
Steam per
hour

(LB/HR) - Unit of measure that

expresses the amount of steam
produced by a boiler in one hour.

NonCondensable
Gas

Any gas that will not change into

a liquid when its temperature is
reduced.

Popping
Pressure

Predetermined pressure at which

a safety relief valve opens and
remains open until the pressure
drops.

Non-Return
Valve

Combination shutoff and check

valve that allows steam to pass
out of the boiler, but a back flow
of steam from a drop in pressure
causes the valve to close.

Post-Purge

The passing of air through the

boiler fireside after normal burner
shutdown.

Pour Point
Normal
Operating
Water Level

(NOWL) - Level of the boiler

water at normal operation.

The lowest temperature at which

a fuel oil flows as a liquid.

Pre-Purge

Overfiring

Forcing a boiler beyond its

designed
steam
producing
capacity.

The passing of air through the

boiler fireside prior to pilot and
main burner flame lightoff.

Pressure

Application of force commonly

measured in PSIG.

Pressure
Reducing
Station

Where higher pressure steam is

reduced in pressure for lower
pressure needs.

Primary Air

Forced air
burner..

Priming

Severe form of carryover in which

large slugs of water leave the
boiler with the steam.

Process
Steam

Steam used in a plant for

manufacturing or processing
purposes.

Products of
Combustion

Gases that are formed as fuel is

burned.

Natural Draft

Package
Boiler

Boiler that comes completely

factory
assembled,
with
exception of those items that
have to be removed from the
boiler for shipment.

Parallel
Positioning
Control
System

A programmer controlled system

of controlling the inlet air damper,
FGR damper, and fuel valves of
the burner.
Separate servo
motors are used for each
component controlled.

Passes

Number of times gases or

combustion flow the length of the
pressure vessel as they transfer
heat to the water.

supplied

to

the

Perfect
Combustion

Burning of all the fuel with the

theoretical amount of air.

Programmer

Device that controls the burner

sequence of operation.

PH

Value representing how acidic or

alkaline water is.

Proving Pilot

Sighting the pilot through a flame

scanner to verify that the pilot is
lit.

Pounds Per
Square Inch

(PSI) Number of pounds of

pressure exerted on one square
inch of a given area.

Purge Period

Time allotted for blower to

operate without fuel or ignition.

Phosphates

Power

Chemicals that cause hardness

particles to settle out as a heavy
sludge.
Unit of measure that equals the
amount of foot pounds of work in
a given period of time.

Quality of
Steam

Term used to express the

moisture content present in
saturated steam.
Quality of
steam affects the BTU content of
the steam.

Smoke
Density

Varies from clear to dark.

Determined by the amount of
light that passes through the
smoke as it leaves the boiler.

Rate of
Combustion

The amount of fuel that is being

burned in the furnace per unit of
time.

Sodium
Zeolite Water
Softener

Ion - Exchange water softener

that uses a bronze solution and
resin beads to soften water.

Raw Water

Untreated water.

Solid State

An electronic system using

transistors in place of electronic
tubes.

Reseat
Pressure

The pressure at which a safety

valve will reseat after lifting.

Soot

Fine powder consisting primarily

of carbon that results from
incomplete combustion.

Ringlemann
Chart

Chart used as a measure of

determining smoke density.

Spalling

Safety Valve

Valve that keeps the boiler from

exceeding its maximum allowable
working pressure.

Hairline cracks in boiler refractory

due to changes in fireside
temperatures.

Specific
Gravity

Weight of a given volume of a

material divided by the weight of
an equal volume of water
measured at 60F.

Spontaneous
Combustion

Occurs
when
combustible
materials self-ignite.

Stack

Outlet to the atmosphere for the

gases of combustion. Used to
create a draft.

Safety Valve
Capacity

Volume to discharge.

Sample
Cooler

Closed heat exchanger that cools

a sample of boiler water to be
tested.

Saturated
Steam

Steam at a temperature that

corresponds with its pressure.

Scale

Deposits in the boiler waterside

caused by improper boiler water
treatment.

Static Head
Pressure

(SHP) - Pressure at the bottom,

or at some specified point, of a
column of still liquid.

Scotch
Marine Boiler

A firetube boiler with an internal

furnace.

Steam

Gaseous form of water. Steam is

odorless, colorless and tasteless.

Secondary
Air

Air that is needed to complete the

combustion process.

Steam Boiler

A closed pressure vessel in

which water is converted to
steam by the application of heat.

Sediment

Particles of foreign matter

present in the boiler water.

Steambound

Condition occurring when the

temperature
in
the
open
feedwater heater gets too high
and the feedwater pump cannot
deliver water to the boiler.

Steam Space

The space above the water line in

a steam boiler.

Steam Trap

Mechanical device used to

remove condensate from steam
piping.

Sensible Heat Heat that can be measured by a

change in temperature.
Single Point
Position
System

Control system in which only one

control motor is used to operate a
system of linkages connected to
controls.

Sludge

Accumulated residue produced

from impurities in water.

Sulfur

A combustion element found in

coal and fuel oil.

Superheated
Steam

Steam at a temperature above its

corresponding pressure.

Surface
Tension

Caused by impurities on the top

of the water in a steam boiler.

Tensile
Stress

Occurs when two forces of equal

intensity act on an object, pulling
in opposite directions. Affects
boiler plates and staybolts.

Therm

100,000 BTU

Thermal
Efficiency

The ratio of heat that is absorbed

by the boiler to the heat available
in the fuel per unit of time.

Thermal
Shock

Stress imposed on pipe or vessel

by a sudden and drastic change
in temperature.

Total Force

Total pressure that is acting on

an area, determined by diameter
and pressure.

Total Heat

Sum of sensible heat and latent

heat.

Turbulence

Erratic movement of water in the

boiler.

Ultraviolet

A form of light that is produced

during combustion.
Seen by
flame scanner.

Vacuum

A pressure below atmospheric

pressure.

Vacuum
Breaker

Vent above the liquid that allows

air to be pulled into the tank to
prevent formation of a vacuum.

Vacuum
Gauge

Gauge
used
to
measure
pressures below atmospheric
pressure.

Valve

Mechanical device that starts,

stops or regulates flow of a liquid,
gas or loose bulk material.

Vapor

Diffused matter in a gaseous

state.

Vertical
Firetube
Boiler

Boiler that has firetubes in a

vertical position.

Viscosity

Ability of a liquid or semi-liquid to

resist flow.

Waste Heat
Recovery
Boiler

Boiler in which heat that would

otherwise be discarded is used in
lieu of fuel fired burner.

Water Column Metal vessel installed on the

outside of a boiler shell or drum
at the NOWL that helps an
operator determine the water
level in a boiler.
Water
Hammer

A violent reaction caused when

steam and water collide in a
steam line.

Wet-Lay-Up

Method of short term boiler

storage that keeps the boiler free
from oxygen on the inside, which
prevents damage from corrosion.

Working
Pressure

The pressure at which the boiler

is operated.

Section 5:
B. Boiler Formulas
Boiler Horse Power (HP):
BHP = (Lb/hr) * FE / 34.5
where Lb/hr is pounds of steam per hour
and FE is the factor of evaporation.

Steam:

Cycle of Concentration of Boiler Water:

CYC=Bch / FCh
where Bch is ppm water chlorides and
FCh is ppm feedwater chlorides.

Temperature Conversions:
F to C
C = (F 32) / 1.8

Differential Setting (lb):

Delta S = P1 - P2
where P1 is the cutout pressure and P2 is
the cut in pressure
Factor of Evaporation:
FE = SH + LH / 970.3
where SH is the sensible heat and LH is
the latent heat.
Force (lb):
F=P / A
where P is pressure (psi) and A is area
(in^2).

S=HP * 34.5 * t
where HP is boiler horsepower and t is
time (h).

C to F
F = (1.8 * C) + 32
Total Force (lb)
TF = P*A
where P is pressure (psi) and A is the
area of valve disc exposed to steam (sq.
in.)
Water Column (in)
WC = P / 0.03061
where P is pressure (psi).

C. Combustion
Flue gas analysis:

Horsepower (HP):
HP=(d * t) / (t * 33000)
where d is distance, F is force, and t is
time.

Boiler flue gas analysis is used to determine

combustion efficiency.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Inches of Mercury (in):

InHG=P / 0.491
where P is pressure
Percent of Blowdown:
%BD=(PP - RP) / PP
where PR is popping pressure and RP is
reseat pressure
Rate of Combustion (Btu/hr)
RC=H / (Vf * t)
where H is heat released (BTU), Vf is
volume of furnace (ft^3), and t is time (hr).
Return Condensate Percentage in Feedwater
RC%=(MC FC) / (MC CC)
where MC is the makeup conductivity
(ohms), FC is the feedwater conductivity
(ohms), and CC is the condensate
conductivity (ohms).
Static Head Pressure (lb):
SHP=Bpr*2.31, Where Bpr=Boiler Pressure (psi)

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Oxygen (O2)
Oxides of Nitrogen
(NOx)
Combustibles

Indicates complete
combustion
Indicates incomplete
combustion
Indicates the presence
of excess air
A product of high
temperature combustion
Material that burns when
exposed to oxygen and
heat

It is typical to target oxygen levels of 8% in low fire

and 3% in high fire for gas fired burners.
It is typical to target oxygen levels of 6% in low fire
and 4% in high fire for oil fired burners.
Johnston Boiler Company recommends no
greater level than 200 ppm of Carbon
Monoxide in a burner operation.
Johnston Boiler Company recommends zero
combustibles for a gas fired burner.

Section 5:
Johnston Boiler Company recommends a
maximum #2 Smokespot (Ringelmann
Chart) in its oil fired burner.
Air Properties:
For a burner originally adjusted to 15% air,
changes in combustion air temperature
and barometric pressure cause the
following in excess air:
Air
Temperature

Barometric
Pressure
(In. HG)

Resulting
Excess Air %*

40
29
25.5
60
29
20.2
80
29
15.0
100
29
9.6
120
29
1.1
80
27
7.0
80
28
11.0
80
29
15.0
80
30
19.0
40
31
34.5
60
30
25.0
80
29
15.0
100
28
5.0
120
27
-5.5
* Expressed as a percent of the Stoichiometric air
required.
D. Energy Loss from Scale Deposits
ENERGY LOSS
FROM SCALE DEPOSITS IN BOILERS
SCALE THICKNESS
(INCHES)

EXTRA FUEL COST

(PERCENT)

1/32

8.50

1/25

9.30

1/20

11.10

1/16

12.40

1/8

25.00

1/4

40.00

3/8

55.00

1/2

70.00